The base looks like it says
"Erected by the Emmet O'Reilly Society _____"
It's hard to read and not sure of the last word




Altoona Tribune, Altoona, Pennsylvania, January 22, 1902, page 1

Alderman John O’Toole

The Well-Known Magistrate Succumbs to an attack of Pneumonia
Passed Away Yesterday Morning

Had for Many Years Been an Alderman of the City and Was Preeminent in the Councils of the local Democratic Party

Funeral Takes Place To-Morrow


John O’Toole, one of the oldest, best known and respected citizens of Altoona, an alderman for a quarter of a century and a broad-minded, patriotic and benevolent man, died at his home, 1019 Bridge Street, at 7:10 o’clock yesterday morning of pneumonia.

His death was a shock to his wide circle of friends and by it the city loses a man who at all times took an interest in the affairs sending to its betterment. He had not been enjoying good health for a year and for several weeks past had been ? with a cold. One week ago he was compelled to take his bed and pneumonia developed. The disease made inroads on his once rugged and hardy constitution, which had been enfeebled by the worry of business troubles and his advancing years, and he ? rapidly until death claimed him. His end was near and he passed into the great beyond with the love and esteem of hundreds whom he had befriended in his kindly way during his residence in Altoona.

“Judge” John O’Toole was born in Newry, county Armagh, Ireland, February 18, 1834, and with his parents came to America when he was 12 years of age. The family landed in Baltimore, where the deceased began a struggle for an education. He entered the public schools, but in a short time was compelled to leave his studies to make his own way in the world. He found employment in a grocery store as a clerk, and here he remained but a short time, when he went to Mt. Savage, Maryland and learned the trade of a moulder.

He took great interest in the welfare of his brother workmen and this caused him to take an active interest in the Moulder’s Union. He was later made assistant to the national secretary of the organization, with headquarters in Cleveland. He held this office for several years and aided in bettering the conditions of those who followed his chosen trade. He resigned the position in 1854 and came to Altoona and had since made this city his home. He entered the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad company, being one of the first moulders to work in the now large industry.


Politically Judge O’Toole was a democrat, and always took an active interest in the affairs of the city. He served in council for two terms during the years 1875 and 1876. He had filled the office of alderman for almost a quarter of a century and was regarded as the most determined magistrate in the city. He was quick to advise, and frequently caused litigants to settle their troubles outside of court. He was noted for kindly tempering mercy with justice. In 1878 he was elected alderman of the Third district, what is now the Fifth and Sixth wards of Altoona. When the city was divided into wards he was elected alderman of the Sixth ward and in 1883, when he moved into the Fifth ward, he was again elected. Since that time he had served in that capacity. He was an active and ardent worker in the democratic party. He was many times chosen a delegate to the city, county and state conventions. During the years of 1899 and 1900 he served his party as county chairman and devoted much time to promote harmony in the ranks, which had become broken by internal quarrels. He was influential and partially succeeded in getting the party together.

He was a member of the St. John’s Catholic Church, St. John’s Beneficial Society and the State Magistrates’ association, being a member of the executive committee of the latter body. The deceased was a true Irish American citizen, kind hearted and charitable. He never turned from those in distress, but extended an aiding hand to all who sought assistance. His many acts of kindness in relieving the unfortunate endeared him to the hearts of hundreds. His benevolence was never of a public nature and his one aim was to comfort all that lay in his power.

The deceased is survived by his wife, one son, James, and two daughters, Miss Alice at home, and Mrs. Rose Taylor of Allegheny. He is also survived by three sisters; Mrs. Mary Roach, of Moore’s Station, Tex; Mrs. Alice Johnson of Toll Gate, W. Va., and Miss Rose Ricksman, of Howesville, W. Va; also one brother, Patrick O’Toole, of San Antonio, Tex.

The funeral will take place Thursday morning.
Services in St. John’s church at 9 o’clock.

Internment in St. John’s cemetery.





Altoona Tribune

June 1, 1903

Monument Marks the Spot, Where Lies the Body of the Late Alderman John O’Toole, A Monument now marks the last resting place of the late Alderman John O’Toole in St. John’s Cemetery, at First Avenue and Twelfth Street.

It is not a finely cut and carved monument, but a large and massive piece of Vermont granite and was erected by the Emmett-O’Reilly Literary Society and friends. It better marks the character of the esteemed John O’Toole, for he was massive in kindness, friendship and charity.

His memory will always be cherished by the society that has so honored him, as he stood as a rock among its members. The friends who entered the movement with the society will ever remember him as big-hearted, kind and true.

The stone is hammer-dressed and bears this inscription: “John O’Toole, 1834 – 1902, Erected by Emmett-O’Reilly Literary Society and Friends”